'Railway station at China border a 'milestone' for India's security': experts

Defence experts on Sunday welcomed the government's decision to build a station in Arunachal Pradesh near the India-China border, terming it a 'milestone' for the country's security.

"China has made a number of railway stations and roads along the border with India. We have not done so and I think we are 30 years behind. The decision by the government to build a railway station in Arunachal Pradesh, on the border, is in itself a milestone," Wing Commander (retd) Praful Bakshi told ANI

"Our logistic arrangements on the border are so poor: Chinese forces can come by road or rail in a very short time at the border and deploy a heavy weapon system. Indian soldiers have to travel on half-built roads and spend days and weeks to reach the border. India's problems will be solved if we create a network with the border," he added.

Meanwhile, security expert Qamar Agha stated that the railways station will facilitate the movement of the army, terming it a positive move.

"India has sovereign rights to build it where ever it wants. Arunachal Pradesh is integral part of India and I think it will help facilitate border trade with China and also the movement of the army. It will connect the province with the other regions of the nation," Agha said.

It is a very positive deal; it will help in development of that state. Arunachal still remains backward in many senses. It is a good decision by the government of India, it should have been taken long ago," he added.

On Saturday, Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had announced that the Indian Railways will soon set up a station in Arunachal Pradesh near the India-China border, adding that a memorandum of understanding with regards to its construction is ready and would be signed soon.

Parrikar further added that he has spoken in detail about the project to Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.